The Primera Division’s top-scorer Ronaldo then put Madrid ahead after the break. Betis refused to roll over and Jefferson Montero equalised before Ronaldo secured the win with his 32nd goal of the season after 72 minutes.

Betis lead

Ronaldo had a shot saved by the keeper in the opening exchanges but Betis went ahead from a counter-attack with Ruben Castro's defence-splitting pass setting up Molina who fired home past helpless goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Betis have impressed with their adventurous football since their return to the top flight and they were making life hard for Real who were unable to take control of the game and appeared uncomfortable at the back against the pace of the home side.

Real responded with their first clearcut chance with Mesut Ozil lofting the ball over the defence for Higuain to run onto and the Argentine finished clinically.

Before half-time, Salva Sevilla hit the crossbar with a free-kick for Betis while Higuain and Ronaldo also went close with openings at the other end.

Real looked like they had asserted their authority on the match with Ronaldo spinning and slotting the ball home after 51 minutes but minutes later Betis were level.

The visitors failed to clear a corner and Montero, who had been a threat all game, pounced with a drive from the edge of the area.

Both sides pressed forward and Montero had a strike well saved by Casillas while, at the other end, Marcelo was denied by Betis keeper Fabricio Agosto.

Ronaldo restored Real's lead when he was quickest to react inside the area after Agosto parried a Sergio Ramos header.

Barcelona will look to reduce the deficit on Sunday when they play away to Racing Santander.

Newly-rich Malaga leapfrogged Levante into fourth place with a Jose Rondon header giving them a 1-0 victory over the modest side from Valencia.

Levante, with the lowest budget in the league, have been a major surprise this season as they are more used to fighting around the lower reaches of the league.

But they have now been overtaken by Malaga who have been bank rolled by Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani and spent heavily on new players last summer.

Malaga dominated the opening stages of the game but lacked a cutting edge while Levante could have stolen a lead on the counterattack by Abdelkader Ghezzal.

After the break, chances began to appear at either end and Joaquin Sanchez had a strike well saved by the keeper before shortly afterwards he laid on the pass from a free-kick for Rondon to head the ball into the corner after 51 minutes.

Arouna Kone went within inches of equalising with a toe poke past the keeper but Malaga should have extended their lead through excellent openings for Rondon and Isco Alarcon.

At the other end of the table, bottom side Zaragoza's problems increased as they were beaten 3-0 by Real Sociedad but Sporting Gijon moved to within three points of safety with a 1-0 victory over Sevilla.

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